Dangerous precedent

I WRITE to correct some factual inaccuracies in Gloria Muir's letter regarding Suffolk Preservation Society's legal challenge against two wind turbines earmarked for Kessingland (January 30).

As an environmental campaign group, SPS takes climate change extremely seriously. We are not, and never have been, opposed to wind farms as such, but feel that each individual case should be judged on its merits after taking local opinion, planning policy and impact on the surrounding landscape into account.

A delicate balance must be drawn between the need to address climate change and the protection of our cherished countryside. The Kessingland site tips that delicate balance too far. Lying on the unique Suffolk coast and in the heaths area of outstanding natural beauty, it simply isn't appropriate for this type of development. Wouldn't it be more fitting, providing it would cause no damage to the marine environment, to locate these turbines off shore instead?

Alternatively, why not adopt a more holistic approach to addressing climate change? Recent evidence suggests that wind turbines are not as green as originally claimed, using huge amounts of energy to build and later decommission. Instead, we should be exploiting the earth's natural resources differently, making sure new homes face south to harness the sun's energy while employing sustainable construction techniques and using renewable materials.

Finally, Ms Muir's says that Waveney District Council granted permission for the turbines, but this is not the case. The council deferred its decision, with the application then approved by a planning inspector at appeal.

We feel the inspector's decision sets a dangerous precedent for the rest of Suffolk, having failed to take into account the lasting and adverse impact these turbines would have on the beautiful coastal landscape. This is the basis for our legal challenge, which is not brought by SPS alone but comes with the support of many local objectors and community groups. We are simply trying to make sure their voices are heard.

RICHARD WARD

Director

Suffolk Preservation Society